Successful repair of a ruptured Stanford type B aortic dissection during pregnancy

We present our experience with an acute Stanford type B aortic dissection in a 25-year-old, 26-week gravid patient without a known connective tissue disorder and discuss a literature-based treatment strategy. After failed conservative treatment manifest by aneurysm rupture, emergency cesarean section delivery and immediate repair of her thoracic aorta was performed. Seven months later, she is fully caring for her healthy baby. During pregnancy, thoracic aortic dissection occurs from physiologic and hemodynamic changes. Emergency cesarean delivery, followed by immediate aortic repair, is the treatment choice if malperfusion syndrome, rupture, uncontrolled hypertension, or unremitting pain occurs.